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Expect Back-and-Forth Negotiation

Your first demand for compensation will almost always be rejected.  Then Progressive will present you with a dramatically lower counteroffer. Don’t let this surprise you or make you think that that’s all your injuries are worth.

The adjuster just wants to know how much fight you have. Show them you know what you’re doing, and are ready to go the distance, by asking them to justify their offer. As you continue in negotiations, remain confident. Continue to refer to the dog bite as an “attack” even when the adjuster calls it an “incident” or an “accident.”  If you believe your claim is valid, be respectful, but don’t roll over.

Progressive Will Continue to Undervalue Your Claim

As you continue the back and forth with Progressive, they will likely continue to offer you less than you believe your claim is worth.  You may reach the point where they decide to give a final “take it or leave it” offer. At this point, you should decide whether you are ready to accept their settlement, or whether you want to go to court. If you are unsure, you should consult with an experienced dog bite attorney who will help you review the facts of your case and make the best possible decision.

Progressive May Attempt to Discourage You from Legal Counsel

Don’t be intimidated.  The adjuster will likely try to persuade you to settle for less than your case is worth by insisting that the time and expense of hiring an attorney simply aren’t worth it.  He or she might imply that hiring a lawyer will prevent you from getting your money in a prompt manner. Remember, deciding to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit is a personal decision; do your research, don’t take the adjuster’s claims as true, and make an informed decision moving forward.

Negotiating a dog bite claim with Progressive can be difficult.  However, knowing what to expect, and preparing yourself by researching the facts of your case can give you the confidence you need to begin negotiating your rightful settlement.

Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help

At Zinda Law Group, our dog bite attorneys are highly experienced in successfully taking on the insurance companies, and we have helped countless dog bite victims recover compensation for damages stemming from an attack.

We will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. And as one of our clients, you will pay nothing until we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your case.

Call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for your free consultation with one of our Dallas dog bite lawyers. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.

Negotiating an Injury Claim with State Farm

When you are injured or have property damage after a car accident, you may need to file a claim for compensation through State Farm. But like other insurance companies, State Farm can only make a profit if it takes in more money through premium payments than it pays out through claims. Therefore, you can expect that State Farm–or more specifically, the claims adjuster assigned to your case–will attempt to get you to settle your claim for as little as possible. Your adjuster knows that the more of a financial bind you are in, the more likely it is that you will accept a low but immediate payment on your claim, as opposed to waiting for a higher settlement.

Although State Farm and other large insurers often use computer programs to determine what they consider to be a “fair” settlement of your claim, you can negotiate a better settlement with State Farm. Be prepared for a fight, however. Your adjuster may be unwilling to budge initially. You may be able to obtain a better settlement if you employ the following strategies.

Document as Much as Possible

If at all possible, take your own photographs of the car accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries. Sometimes an adjuster will not visit you to see the damage until days after the accident. In that interim, your wounds may have begun to heal or the car may have been repaired a bit. By taking pictures as soon as possible after the accident, you have proof of the severity of the accident and can use these photographs to negotiate a higher, more appropriate settlement amount.

Determine a Minimum Settlement Amount

It is very hard to negotiate over anything if you do not know what you want and what you need. Before you begin speaking with your adjuster about a settlement, take a moment and consider how much your claim is really worth.

• How much did you pay in medical bills and repair bills?
• How much time did you miss from work?
• What other losses or expenses did you suffer?

Tally these up and offer them as a settlement. What is the least amount you will accept? While you can expect your initial offer to be turned down, you should not feel compelled to accept State Farm’s counteroffer if it is too low.

Keep Your Story Straight

State Farm may attempt to get you to change your story of how the accident happened as a way to justify giving you a lower settlement amount. Stick to your guns, though. It is helpful to write down a narrative of how the accident occurred as soon as you can after the accident, and then refer to it often if your adjuster asks you how the accident happened.

Get Help from San Antonio Injury Lawyers

After a car accident, it is reasonable that arguing and haggling with an adjuster over a settlement amount is not high on your list of priorities.

At Zinda Law Group, our San Antonio personal injury attorneys can help you seek a fair settlement from State Farm by negotiating with your adjuster on your behalf. Where a settlement cannot be reached or is not in your best interest, we can explore other options with you by which you can obtain compensation.

Call our No Win No Fee Lawyers today at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our San Antonio personal injury lawyers.

Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.

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